While talking about the rebuilding process the Rangers are undergoing, GM Jeff Gorton has more than once stressed that his team needs more character, and it needs to become a tougher, more difficult opponent.

Hence, when the Rangers traded Rick Nash to the Boston Bruins, they insisted on the inclusion of prospect Ryan Lindgren, a defenseman and natural leader type.

(A few days later, when they traded Ryan McDonagh to Tampa Bay, they insisted on the inclusion of prospect Brett Howden, a center with “captain” written all over him).

Character and grit … in spades.

Lindgren’s ceiling remains to be seen – is he a second-pair guy? Third? First? His ability to add offense to his game is still an unknown.

But his character, his defensive-zone play, and his willingness to make life difficult for opponents are absolute givens.